Search

Phytases are widely used food and feed enzymes to improve phosphate availability and reduce anti-nutritional factors. Despite the benefits, enzyme usage is restricted by the harsh conditions in a gastrointestinal tract (pH 2–6) and feed pelleting conditions at high temperatures (60–90 °C). The commercially available phytase Quantum® Blue has been immobilized as CLEAs using glutardialdehyde and soy protein resulting in a residual activity of 33%. The influence of the precipitating agent, precipitant concentration, cross-linker concentration and cross-linking time, sodium borohydride as well as the proteic feeders gluten, soy protein and bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been optimized. The best conditions were 90% (v/v) ethyl lactate as precipitating reagent, 100 mM glutardialdehyde and a soy protein concentration of 227 mg/L with a cross-linking time of 1 h. The intrinsically stable phytase remained its high thermal stability and temperature optimum. The phytase-CLEA achieved a 425% increase of residual activity under harsh acidic conditions between pH 2.2 and 3.5 compared to the free enzyme. The free and immobilized phytase were deployed in an in vitro assay simulating the acidic conditions in the gizzard of poultry at pH 2. The hydrolysis of phytate was monitored using a novel high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis and DAD scanner to study the InsPx fingerprint. All lower inositol phosphate pools (InsP1–InsP6) and free phosphate were separated and analyzed. The phytase-CLEA efficiently released 80% of the total phosphate within 180 min, whereas the free enzyme only released 6% in the same time under the same conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to identify the aptitude of sweet potato genotypes derived from botanical seeds and select them for the aptitudes human consumption, ethanol production, and animal feed through separate indices. A row–column incomplete block design was used, restricting relatedness in the draw. A total of 1604 half-sib genotypes resulting from recombination of 55 clones from the germplasm collection of the Federal University of Lavras were evaluated. The accessions UFVJM 58 and UFVJM 61 were used as controls, for a total of 1606 treatments. The aptitude indices corresponded to the mean values of the 10 traits evaluated, with weights assigned to each trait according to the aptitude of interest. The data of all three aptitudes were transformed and standardized. Then, using the Zi index and with 2.5% selection pressure, the most promising genotypes were selected through the best linear unbiased predictor according to the traits evaluated and the aptitude of interest. Sixty genotypes were selected (out of 1604 tested) based on one or more of the three reported aptitudes: 25 showed a single aptitude, whereas 20 showed dual aptitude and 15 showed triple. The data obtained will provide information for breeding programmes of the sweet potato crop. There is great genetic variability for the traits evaluated, facilitating the selection of new genotypes, with the possibility of obtaining new cultivars important for national food sovereignty and making a significant social contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illegal adulteration of melamine in animal feed and food has been widely studied. However, the risk of using substitute non-protein nitrogen substances still exists. In this study, we developed the 13C NMR method for the detection of non-protein nitrogen substance adulteration in animal feed. Three compounds, i.e., urea, melamine, and biuret, were used for method development. We found that the chemical shifts of the characteristic peaks in the carbon spectra of high-nitrogen adulterants were all between 150 and 170 ppm, whereas the chemical shifts of real protein peptide bonds (-CO–NH-) were between 170 and 180 ppm, demonstrating a good distinction between non-protein nitrogen and authentic protein. The method for analyzing melamine, urea, and biuret was validated. The R2 values were all above 0.99 within the calibration range of 0.05–2% (w/w). The limits of quantification of urea, melamine, and biuret were 0.0120%, 0.0660%, and 0.0806%, respectively. This method involves simple sample pretreatment and rapid detection while also providing high accuracy. All the sample information obtained by NMR detection does not require strict impurity removal. Compared with a previously reported 1H NMR method, the developed 13C NMR method does not require strict moisture removal to avoid active hydrogen exchange, and the interfering peak overlap is mitigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental cattle aided agricultural scientists throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in their efforts to produce beef and milk more efficiently for the growing human populations of the United States. Feed experiments were especially important for understanding how and what cattle needed to eat to better produce this food. However, as experts dedicated their time toward creating the most "economical" rations, their organism of focus shifted. This essay describes how scientific efforts to understand feed conversion in livestock became increasingly focused on the role of ruminant microorganisms over the course of the twentieth century. Highlighting media coverage of fistulated cows and the design of artificial rumens, I argue that the scientific shift from macro- to microorganism was contemporaneously embraced and, in turn, funded by agricultural chemical companies to better market animal feed products by the postwar period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for alternative feed sources for livestock has evolved, owing to quest for efficient and sustainable use of resource channeled towards achieving food security. Breeding and biomass conversion of selected insects therefore, is imperative to complement existing sources. This study investigated the developmental parameters, and nutritional composition of Black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) larvae reared on chicken feed (CF), brewery waste (BW), food remains (FR) and fruits' waste (FR). Proximate compositions (%) of prepupae and substrates were analyzed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extracts (EE), ash, fibre and mineral composition. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests and Tukey (homoscedasticity) using SPSS statistical package. CF recorded the highest prepupal weight (0.30 g), length (2.18 cm), and shortest development time (21 days) across the different substrates. CP content was highest in prepupa fed on CF and BW at 48.93% and 44.52% respectively (p < 0.05). The ash contents and EE of the prepupae differed significantly across the different substrates. Prepupae reared on CF were low in EE and high in ash content (4.12% and 9.24%, respectively) compared to those reared on FW (13.90% and 5.24%, respectively), BW (11.23% and 10.29%, respectively) and FR (9.52% and 5.24, respectively). BSF larvae fed on different substrates exhibited different mineral accumulation patterns, with FW resulting in the largest turnover of minerals (Potassium 46.94 g/kg). The rearing of BSF larvae can be optimized on identified organic substrates into edible biomass suitable for use as an alternative protein source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual water (VW) is increasingly used to understand water consumption related to goods and services in a country. This study estimated the virtual water flow (VWF) for the import and export of agricultural crops in Saudi Arabia. In 2012, Saudi Arabia imported 16.5 million ton (MT) of 58 different crop items from more than 70 countries, while the country exported 0.80 MT of 55 different crop items. The overall import and export were 1.6 and 0.08 kg per person per day, respectively. In 2012, the country imported approximately 22,922 million m 3 ( Mm 3 ) of VW in the form of crop and crop products, in which the major contributors were barley (44.5%), rice (15.1%) and wheat (13.7%). The country exported 970 Mm 3 of VW, associated mainly with dates (30.3%), potatoes (13.6%), sunflower seed (8.6%) and corn (8.2%). The net VWF into the country was 21,952 Mm 3 , which was equivalent to 776 m 3 per person per year. The export of VW was 4.2% of VW import. Through better management of imported animal feed and adjusting the import from source countries, import of subsidized crop and VWF into Saudi Arabia can be reduced, which can lower the expenditure and protect the global water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of thyreostatic drugs, like thiouracil (TU), in animal production has been banned for over three decades by the European Union, due to potential teratogenic and carcinogenic effects of its residues upon human consumption. Besides, thyreostats induce water retention in livestock, causing fallacious weight gain and deterioration of meat quality. Development of more competent analytical methods gave rise to sporadic TU detection in urine of untreated animals, questioning the actual synthetic origin TU. Research showed that TU can be formed upon digestion of Brassicaceae feeds in vivo and in vitro, which called for a means of differentiation between endogenous formation of TU and illicit administration. Therefore, in the present study, a routinely applicable liquid chromatography (LC) ion trap multiple mass spectrometry (MS) method for TU analysis in animal feeds was optimised and validated, according to CD 2002/657/EC. A fractional factorial Plackett-Burman design was used to optimise the extraction procedure for TU from Brassicaceae and non-Brassicaceae feeds. This resulted in the discrimination of five influential factors (amount of feed, myrosinase, pH 7 buffer, 3-iodobenzyl bromide and elution solvent), for which the most optimal conditions were perfected. The limit of quantification for TU amounted 0.5 ng g. The individual recoveries for TU ranged between 90.9 and 99.7 %. Good results for repeatability and intra-laboratory reproducibility (RSD%) were observed, i.e. ≤6.0 and ≤5.2 %, respectively, for TU. Excellent linearity was proven based on determination coefficient ( R ≥ 0.99) and lack-of-fit test ( F test, α = 0.05). Subsequently, a selection of feeds sampled during European national monitoring campaigns were evaluated with the present method showing concentrations ranging from 0.32 to 20.60 ng g, demonstrating the relevance of the method in the analysis of TU from animal feeds. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extracellular β-glucosidase (BGL) from Fusarium oxysporum was purified to homogeneity by a single chromatography step on a gel filtration column. The optimum activity of BGL on cellobiose was observed at pH 5.0 and 60 °C. Under the same conditions, the Km and Vmax values for p-nitrophenyl β- d-glucopyranoside and cellobiose were 2.53 mM, 268 U mg protein −1 and 20.3 mM, 193 U mg protein −1, respectively. The F. oxysporum BGL enzyme was highly stable at acidic pH ( t1/2 = 470 min at pH 3). A commercial BGL Novo188 (Novozymes) and F. oxysporum BGL were compared in their ability to supplement Celluclast 1.5 L (Novozymes). In comparison with the commercial Novo188 (267 mg g substrate −1), F. oxysporum BGL supplementation released more reducing sugars (330 mg g substrate −1) from cellulose under simulated gastric conditions. These properties make F. oxysporum BGL a good candidate as a new commercial BGL to improve the nutrient bioavailability of animal feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid multiclass method that covers 50 antimicrobials from 13 different families in animal feeds was developed. Samples were extracted using a mixture of methanol, acetonitrile and a McIlvaine buffer combined with sonication. Feed extracts were simply diluted prior to injection, since the clean-up strategies that were tested, based on either solid-phase extraction or dispersive solid-phase extraction, were ineffective at minimizing matrix-related signal suppression/enhancement. Analysis was carried out by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry using an electrospray ionization source operating in positive and negative modes. For the quantification, matrix-fortified standard calibration curves were used to compensate for matrix effects and losses in sample preparation. The method was validated in-house in pig, poultry and cattle feed matrices and showed satisfactory performance characteristics. Thus, the proposed approach was suitable for application in a routine high-throughput laboratory for the official control of feeds. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast and generic method has been developed for the simultaneous monitoring of >250 pesticides and veterinary drugs (VDs) in animal feed. A 'dilute-and-shoot' extraction with water and acetonitrile (1 % formic acid) followed by a clean-up step with Florisil cartridges was applied. The extracts were analysed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to hybrid analyser quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry using both positive and negative electrospray ionisation. The detection of the residues was accomplished by retention time and accurate mass using an in-house database. The identification of the detected compounds was carried out by searching of fragment ions for each compound and isotopic pattern. The optimised method was validated and recoveries ranged from 60 % to 120 % at three concentrations (10, 50 and 100 μg kg) for 30 %, 68 % and 80 % of compounds, respectively, included in the database (364) in chicken feed. Document SANCO 12495/2011 and Directive 2002/657/CE were used as guidelines for method validation. Intra-day and inter-day precisions, expressed as relative standard deviations, were lower than 20 % for more than 90 % of compounds. The limits of quantification ranged from 4 to 200 μg kg for most analytes, which are sufficient to verify compliance of products with legal tolerances. The applicability of the procedure was further tested on different types of feed (chicken, hen, rabbit and horse feed), evaluating recoveries and repeatability. Finally, the method was applied to the analysis of 18 feed samples, detecting some VDs (sulfadiazine, trimethoprim, robenidin and monensin Na) and only one pesticide (chlorpyrifos). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to show new advances in the analytical methods developed in the frame of the ban of processed animal by-products in compound feed that is currently applied within the European Union. With this aim, studies to develop a quantitative near infrared microscopy (NIRM) approach have been undertaken in order to fulfil future requirements of European legislation like the introduction of tolerance levels that would require for official control purposes the availability of specific quantitative methods. The capabilities of the NIRM method have been improved; no sample preparation is required and the acquisition parameters are optimised. Both the gross and the fine fractions of the samples are considered; the reflexion mode was used to analyse the gross raw fraction and the transmission mode was chosen to analyse the fine raw fraction. Parameters for reflexion analyses were already fixed in our previous studies while those of transmission mode have been determined in the present study. Because particles are too small, it is difficult to mark them; spectra were collected using the mapping technique. Quantitative analyses have been carried out for different percentages of adulteration (0.5, 1, 2 and 5%). Results were depending on the particle size distribution of the feed and of the fish meal which led to experimental values of adulteration varying between 0.13–0.92%, 0.93–3.7%, 2.42–5.83% and 1.95–9.39% for theoretical percentages of adulteration equal to 0.5, 1, 2 and 5%, respectively. The established protocol with the key parameters proposed has to be considered for the development of an accurate method of quantification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a new method was developed for the determination of melamine (MEL) in animal feed. The method was based on the on-line coupling of dynamic microwave-assisted extraction (DMAE) to strong cation-exchange (SCX) resin clean-up. The MEL was first extracted by 90% acidified methanol aqueous solution ( v/ v, pH = 3) under the action of microwave energy, and then the extract was cooled and passed through the SCX resin. Thus, the protonated MEL was retained on the resin through ion exchange interaction and the sample matrixes were washed out. Some obvious benefits were achieved, such as acceleration of analytical process, together with reduction in manual handling, risk of contamination, loss of analyte, and sample consumption. Finally, the analyte was separated by a liquid chromatograph with a SCX analytical column, and then identified and quantitatived by a tandem mass spectrometry with positive ionization mode and multiple-reaction monitoring. The DMAE parameters were optimized by the Box–Behnken design. The linearity of quantification obtained by analyzing matrix-matched standards is in the range of 50–5,000 ng g−1. The limit of detection and limit of quantification obtained are 12.3 and 41.0 ng g−1, respectively. The mean intra- and inter-day precisions expressed as relative standard deviations with three fortified levels (50, 250, and 500 ng g−1) are 5.1% and 7.3%, respectively, and the recoveries of MEL are in the range of 76.1–93.5%. The proposed method was successfully applied to determine MEL in different animal feeds obtained from the local market. MEL was detectable with the contents of 279, 136, and 742 ng g−1 in three samples. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An isocratic LC method for the determination of melamine and its degradation products (ammelide, ammeline, and cyanuric acid), used to increase the apparent protein content of rice protein concentrate, has been developed. Method development involved optimization of different RP columns, aqueous mobile phases, pH, phosphate concentration, and temperature. The optimum separation of these compounds was achieved using a Luna CN column (30 °C), 5 mmol L−1 sodium phosphate (pH 5.0) as mobile phase, 1 mL min−1 flow-rate, UV absorbance-DAD detection at 220 nm, and resorcine as internal standard; this enabled separation of these compounds with baseline resolution (values in the 2.1–10.1 range) in about 8 min. Prior to HPLC, the developed sample preparation procedure consisted in a leaching process using the above mentioned mobile phase. Method validation was carried out in rice protein concentrates in accordance with the European Commission decision 2002/657/EC criteria. For this purpose, eight mandatory performance characteristics for the conventional validation approach were determined: calibration graphs, extraction efficiencies, decision limits, detection capabilities, precision (repeatability and within-laboratory reproducibility), accuracy, selectivity, and robustness. The extraction efficiencies for these compounds were in the range 99–100% and the within-laboratory reproducibility at 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 detection capabilities concentration levels were smaller than 5, 4, and 3%, respectively. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of other rice protein concentrates and several animal feed samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth on a wheat bran media induced production of an extracellular β-glucanase by Rhizomucor miehei (DSM 1330). The enzyme was purified to homogeneity. Substrate specificity studies coupled with protein database similarity searching using mass spectrometry-derived sequence data indicate it to be an endo-1,3(4)-β-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.6). The enzyme was characterised in terms of potential suitability for use in animal (poultry) feed. Significant activity was observed over the entire pH range typical of the avian upper digestive tract (pH 2.6–6.5). The enzyme was also found to be more thermostable than current commercialized β-glucanases, particularly when heated at a high enzyme concentration, and retained twice as much residual activity as the latter upon exposure to simulated avian digestive tract conditions. There are no previous reports of the production, purification or characterization of a β-glucanase from a Rhizomucor, and the enzyme’s application-relevant physicochemical characteristics render it potentially suited for use in animal feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performances of Soxhlet extraction, dive-in Soxhlet extraction, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), fluidized-bed extraction (FBE), and ultrasonic extraction (UE) for the analysis of organochlorine pesticides in animal feed have been investigated. ASE and MAE provided significantly better extraction efficiency than Soxhlet extraction. The concentrations were 126.7 and 114.8%, respectively, of the values obtained by classical Soxhlet extraction, whereas the results from FBE and dive-in Soxhlet were comparable with those from the standard Soxhlet procedure. The reproducibility of FBE was the best, with RSDs ranging from 0.3 to 3.9%. Under the investigated operation conditions UE was not efficient, with the recoveries of target compounds being about 50% less than Soxhlet. Additionally, the performances of Soxhlet, dive-in Soxhlet, MAE, ASE and FBE were validated by determination of the certified reference material BCR-115. The results from the extraction techniques were in good agreement with the certified values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for routine analysis of essential metal elements in animal feeds using a dynamic and automated ultrasound-assisted extractor is proposed here. Owing to the different concentration of the essential metal elements in the samples, two macronutrients—namely, Ca and Mg—and three micronutrients or trace elements—namely, Fe, Cu and Zn—were selected as models for the optimisation and characterisation of the proposed method by using experimental design methodology. Moreover, the extraction kinetics and influence of the particle size on the extraction efficiency were studied. The detection and quantification limits ranged between 2.9 and 40 μg kg-1 and between 7.9 and 95.5 μg kg-1, respectively. The precision, expressed as repeatability relative standard deviation (RSD) and as within-laboratory RSD, ranged between 1.86 and 5.66% and between 5.06 and 6.15%, respectively. The proposed approach allows the extraction of these metal elements from animal feeds with extraction efficiencies similar to those provided by the AOAC Official Method 968.08, but with a drastic reduction in both the extraction time (18 min versus 4.5 h) and sample handling, and using smaller volumes of extractant (an acid aqueous solution). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]